Types of Exclusions
Suspensions
A head teacher can suspend a pupil for a short period of time if they have seriously broken school rules and if allowing the pupil to stay in school would seriously harm their education or welfare, or the education or welfare of other pupils. After a fixed period suspended pupils will return to their school.
Permanent exclusions
Head teachers only permanently exclude a pupil as a last resort after considering the individual circumstances with other staff and professionals as appropriate. If the pupil is a Looked After Child (LAC) or has a statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) there should be a review of the pupil’s education plan as part of this process. There may be exceptional circumstances where a head teacher may decide to permanently exclude for a serious ‘one-off’ offence.
If a pupil has been permanently excluded they do not return to their school and will receive their education from a Manchester Pupil Referral Unit (PRU). The PRUs provide access to a balanced curriculum, small group teaching, specialist assessment and reintegration support to ensure that, wherever possible, pupils return quickly to mainstream schools. For some pupils the PRU will continue to provide education for a longer period of time. Pupils attending PRUs will be able to sit national tests such as SATs, GCSEs and other qualifications.